A full-pressure space suit with bailout capabilities for experimental suborbital vehicles

This paper discusses the development of a full-pressure space suit to be used in the Argentine Gauchito suborbital space vehicle. Rationales for providing full-pressure suits with bailout capabilities for both crew and passengers are first discussed. Mishaps during past US and Russian space missions are also presented to show how the hazards of reentry and landing can be mitigated by a robust space suit with bailout capabilities. Results from the testing of the suit's helmet, enclosure mechanisms, gloves, cooling system, thermal garment, and mobility range are presented followed by a description of the suit's emergency operating procedures. Testing of the suit culminated in an altitude chamber and a high-altitude glider flight.